Gassco to run Johan Sverdrup pipeline

Gassco is to take over as operator for the gas transport system from the Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea when it becomes operational.

The Storting (parliament) approved the plan for development and operation (PDO) of Johan Sverdrup on 18 June. This decision means that Gassco will become operator of the 156-kilometre pipeline and responsible for its technical operation.

Running from the field’s riser platform, the 18-inch pipeline will be tied into the Statpipe rich gas system on the seabed west of Karmøy. That will allow its gas to flow to the Kårstø process plant north of Stavanger.

The new pipeline’s capacity will exceed the Johan Sverdrup’s own requirements, creating opportunities for additional gas exports from the Utsira High area. This new link accordingly has great strategic importance for the Kårstø facility, Gassco has said in a statement.

Johan Sverdrup is due to come on stream in December 2019, and is expected to produce for 50 years.